Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving healthcare field, the role of occupational therapy assistants is increasingly crucial.

With the rise in demand for therapeutic services, the call for skilled individuals who can guide, support, and enhance the therapeutic process has grown louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an occupational therapy assistant?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager attempting to craft the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate world of occupational therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable occupational therapy assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists to help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

They work with patients who have physical, mental, developmental or emotional conditions.

Their duties and responsibilities often include:

• Providing therapy treatments to patients under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist
• Teaching patients how to use special equipment designed to assist with daily activities
• Assisting patients with exercises as part of their treatment plan
• Recording patients’ progress and report to the Occupational Therapist
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment
• Setting up therapy equipment and preparing materials for treatment
• Assisting in the development of treatment plans
• Following the intervention plan developed by the Occupational Therapist
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families, helping them to understand and cope with occupational therapy

 

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our professional team.

The primary role of the Occupational Therapy Assistant is to assist patients in developing, recovering, and maintaining daily living and work skills, through therapeutic use of everyday activities.

The successful candidate will be able to provide direct patient care, under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, to improve patients’ quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.

 

Responsibilities

• Implement occupational therapy treatment plans under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist
• Assist patients with therapeutic activities and exercises
• Document patients’ progress and report to Occupational Therapist
• Maintain therapy equipment and ensure cleanliness and safety of the therapy area
• Teach patients skills and techniques required for participation in activities
• Monitor patients’ performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families about treatment plans
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities

 

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Current state licensure or certification to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Experience in a health care setting is preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work well in a team
• Physical stamina and the ability to lift or move patients and equipment

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: Medical setting such as a hospital, nursing home, or outpatient therapy center. Some travel may be required for home visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Occupational Therapist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

Occupational Therapy Assistants work alongside Occupational Therapists in helping patients regain, develop, and build skills that are essential for functional living and working.

They are involved in implementing treatment plans, monitoring a patient’s progress, and carrying out therapeutic activities such as exercises, stretches, and other rehabilitation techniques.

Occupational Therapy Assistants also help patients to use and adapt to living aids such as wheelchairs, braces, or eating utensils.

They may work with a wide range of patients, including those recovering from injuries, older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes, and individuals with disabilities.

In addition to direct patient care, Occupational Therapy Assistants often document a patient’s progress and provide valuable feedback to the Occupational Therapist.

They also play a crucial role in educating the patient’s family or employer on how to support the patient’s recovery process.

The ultimate goal of an Occupational Therapy Assistant is to enable patients to participate in everyday activities, thereby improving their quality of life.

 

Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Therapy Assistant should possess a range of technical skills, interpersonal skills, and industry knowledge to successfully assist patients in their therapy, including:

• Technical knowledge and skill in occupational therapy practices and equipment to assist patients in carrying out their therapy exercises.
• Interpersonal skills to establish trust and rapport with patients and their families, facilitating the therapy process and ensuring patient comfort.
• Understanding and sensitivity to the unique needs and circumstances of each patient, enabling personalized care and assistance.
• Problem-solving skills to help identify a patient’s strengths and weaknesses, and to find creative ways to assist the patient in overcoming difficulties and achieving their therapy goals.
• Communication skills to convey therapy instructions clearly to patients, report patient progress to occupational therapists and doctors, and liaise effectively with other healthcare providers.
• Patience and empathy, as working with patients facing physical or mental challenges can be demanding, and progress can sometimes be slow.
• Physical fitness and endurance to assist patients in movement exercises and to maintain a fast-paced working environment.
• Organization skills to manage multiple patients, keep accurate records, and maintain therapy equipment and spaces.

 

Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Occupational Therapy Assistants typically gain their foundational experience through an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program, which often includes both classroom and practical training.

This education provides a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic techniques, rehabilitative procedures, and patient care.

In addition to their formal education, Occupational Therapy Assistants often have to complete a mandatory fieldwork requirement.

This can range from 4 to 16 weeks, depending on the program, and provides critical hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced Occupational Therapists or Occupational Therapy Assistants.

For entry-level positions, employers often look for candidates with at least 1 to 2 years of experience, which can be obtained through internships, part-time roles, or the required fieldwork.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have usually honed their technical skills and patient interaction techniques in entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistant roles.

They may have additional expertise in specific areas of Occupational Therapy, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or physical rehabilitation.

Occupational Therapy Assistants with more than 5 years of experience often possess leadership abilities and may be well-suited for supervisory or team lead roles.

They may also have experience training and mentoring newer Occupational Therapy Assistants, contributing to the development and efficiency of the healthcare team.

 

Occupational Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Therapy Assistants typically require an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

These programs usually take about 2 years to complete and include both classroom study and fieldwork.

Courses typically include subjects such as pediatric health, geriatric health, anatomy, rehabilitation, and mental health.

Upon completion of the educational program, students are required to pass the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Once certified, Occupational Therapy Assistants must maintain their certification by completing continuing education and professional development requirements.

In addition to educational and certification requirements, Occupational Therapy Assistants need certain soft skills to be effective in their roles.

These include compassion, patience, strong communication skills, and a genuine desire to help others.

Some employers may prefer, or even require, experience in a healthcare setting, so relevant work experience or internships can be beneficial.

 

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

An Occupational Therapy Assistant makes an average of $60,410 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary greatly depending on factors such as years of experience, specialization within the field, and the geographical location of the workplace.

 

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Occupational Therapy Assistant need?

Occupational Therapy Assistants need strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients and their families.

They should also have a keen observational ability to assess the needs of patients and adapt therapeutic activities accordingly.

Additionally, they must have a good understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and the therapeutic effects of activities.

Lastly, they need to be physically fit as the job often requires lifting, bending, and standing for long periods.

 

What are the educational requirements for an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Occupational Therapy Assistants typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

These programs generally require 2 years of full-time study and include instruction in subjects such as psychology, biology, and pediatric health.

In addition, fieldwork is often required.

Upon completion, graduates can sit for the national certification examination to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Therapy Assistant resume?

An Occupational Therapy Assistant resume should show an associate’s degree from an accredited program.

Look for their COTA certification and any additional certifications in specialized areas.

Experience working with different patient age groups or specific conditions is also valuable.

The resume should also highlight their hands-on experience gained through fieldwork and their ability to work in a team.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A good Occupational Therapy Assistant is empathetic and patient, as they work with people facing challenges.

They also need to be creative to adapt activities to each patient’s needs and abilities.

Good communication skills are crucial to collaborate with occupational therapists and explain treatment plans to patients and their families.

Lastly, a good Occupational Therapy Assistant is dedicated to continuous learning as medical knowledge and therapy techniques continually evolve.

 

What are the daily duties of an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Daily duties of an Occupational Therapy Assistant include assisting occupational therapists in providing therapy to patients, implementing treatment plans, teaching patients how to use therapeutic equipment, and monitoring patients’ progress.

They also document patient status and treatment outcomes.

Assistants may also be involved in preparing materials for therapy and maintaining equipment.

The exact tasks can depend on the setting they work in, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or residential care facilities.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an occupational therapy assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about facilitating therapy sessions.

It’s about sculpting a healthier future, one patient at a time.

With our dedicated occupational therapy assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up for your next step.

But why halt the journey here?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your reliable tool for creating meticulously detailed listings or refining your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every therapy session contributes to the grander scheme of things.

Let’s shape that healthier future. Together.

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